ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington University Head Softball Coach Joe DiPietro is excited to announce the addition of three players for the 2022-23 academic year.
 
"Overall, I am extremely excited to welcome Brina, Anika, and Payton to the Wildcat family," DiPietro said. "I believe that they will be high end players for us as we continue to recruit the Northwest!"
 
Brina Baysinger is a 5-foot-5 right-handed pitcher from Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Baysinger was a four-year starter for the Air Academy High School Kadets. She was named captain in two seasons. In 2019, Baysinger earned three defensive MVP awards, three First Team All-PPAC and three 5A/4A All-Area First Team selections. She was twice an all-state honorable mention and was selected tt the CCGS All-State Game in 2021. Baysinger set two Air Academy records, striking out 17 in a single game and compiling 216 strikeouts in a season. During her senior season she tossed 143 innings, had an ERA of 2.34, struck out 216 hitters, and held the opposition to an average of .230. She finished fourth in the state for strikeouts. She racked up 540 total career strikeouts for the Kadets. Baysinger was named the 2021 The Gazette Player of the Year. Off the field, Baysinger was a four-time Principal Scholar Honor Roll member and two-time Academic All-State First Team

Baysinger on CWU: "I chose CWU because it was on the west coast, is the perfect size, and the softball team really pulled me in. When I met Coach Joe and the girls, I felt at home."
 
Coach DiPietro on Baysinger: "Brina will be a perfect complement to our staff. Although not a power pitcher, Brina hits her spots extremely well and stays ahead of the hitters.  Glad to welcome Brina to the Wildcat family!"
 
Anika Garcia is a 5-foot-6 outfielder from Yakima, Washington. She was a two-time first team all-conference selection for West Valley High School. She also earned first team offensive player of the year. During her senior season, Garcia posted a batting average of .426. She was a member of the Washington Angels 18 U Gold team. Off the field, Garcia is a member of the Dean's List.
 
Garcia on CWU: "I chose CWU because of how welcoming the community is, the ability to pursue a great education and to be a part of a competitive, hardworking team."
 
Coach DiPietro on Garcia: "Anika can play all three outfield positions and has a great deal of power. Having Anika on our team gives us another player that hits both for power as well as average. I'm happy that Anika decided to be a Wildcat!"
 
Payton Kessler is a 5-foot-7 right-handed pitcher from Castle Rock, Washington. She earned all-league first team honors in 2019 for the Castle Rock Rockets, as well as being named an all-state pitcher. She earned league MVP honors in 2021. She was a member of the Northwest Illusion. In April 2021, Kessler came one out away from throwing a perfect game, settling for a no-hitter.
 
Kessler on CWU: "I chose CWU because I love the small-town atmosphere, very like my hometown, and the welcoming campus. Since I was little I have always been drawn to CWU after hearing my family talk highly about the academic and athletic programs. I love the competitive feel of the softball program, as well as how close the girls on the team are."
 
Coach DiPietro on Kessler: "Payton has good velocity as well as the ability to hit her spots consistently. Payton is a power pitcher that changes speeds very well and will add to our pitching depth. I think Payton has a bright future as a Wildcat!"